Members of Excellence

She formed deeper connections with friends and family, and found fulfilment in other ventures off the court, which included studying English Literature at the University of British Columbia (UBC). “I feel that, perhaps, I am a better athlete and person now than I was before because of my time away from tennis,” Marino says. She returned to tennis again in 2018 with greater perspective and gratitude for her profession, and a more balanced approach to both her oncourt and off-court life.

by Rebecca's prowess, Venus commented saying “I guess I know what it is like now playing myself” after the game. Although her career seemed to just be taking off, Marino made the decision to take a hiatus from professional tennis in 2012 after climbing the ranks to the WTA's 38th top player. Her time away from tennis was not the standard path in professional sport by any means, but was an essential part of her growth both personally and professionally. “Tennis had become all-encompassing, and I had burnt myself out from a schedule that became physically, mentally, and emotionally draining,” she said when asked about her decision. During her hiatus, Marino was able to find balance in her life and lay stronger roots in her hometown, Vancouver.

Marino made a remarkable return to professional tennis and has since participated in the Australian Open, US Open, and Billie Jean King Cup – to name just a few! “My motivations to come back to tennis were multi-layered, but the catalyst to my decision was my father, Joe" she said. Her father's cancer diagnosis made Marino reflect on her life during her hiatus and asses which unresolved areas were worth revisiting. "Tennis was something that immediately sprung to mind," she said. "I wanted to return to tennis and have a career I could look back on with happiness… I also wanted my father to be able to share the journey with me – tennis was the special thing we shared, and he was my biggest fan. So, every day I’m on the tennis court I play not just for myself, but for my family and the memory of my father.”

Marino’s return has her once again in the WTA Top 100, competing regularly in the Billie Jean King Cup for Canada, and all the Grand Slam events (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open). She also wraps up her swing in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai) for the first time and continues to push even further by participating in more events.

Excelling in sport is somewhat of a family tradition – Marino’s uncle, George Hungerford (also a Member of The Arbutus Club) was one half of the Vancouver Rowing Club coxless pairs rowing team that represented Canada, and won a gold medal at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Her Uncle George remains her athletic role model, with his Olympic achievements profoundly inspiring her as a child to pursue high level sport as a career.

Although participating in sport was encouraged in the family, there was never any pressure to do so. Marino recalls many fond memories of fun activities that the family did together